Guidance statements

3.24    The COC discussed its guidance statement series, which has been subject to a rolling process of review and update since it was published in sections online from 2012.

3.25    The importance and utility of the guidance statements was noted by the Secretariat and Assessors, as it underpins the risk assessments and evaluations undertaken by Government Departments and Agencies. It was also recognised that COC guidance enables quality risk assessment which in turn supports better risk management approaches by the regulatory teams in Government.

3.26    It was noted that a challenge in updating the guidance is the need for an update of the underpinning evidence base, which can become an extensive review and critique, while providing clear guidance. Suggestions were made with respect to more efficiently undertaking such review and formulating guidance, for example having short, concise, standalone guidance with an underpinning evidence review document, use of working groups of members to recast some of the existing guidance documents and keeping in review areas where guidance might be required.

3.27    Further consideration of this would be made in 2025, and in particular utilising input from Lay members to support communication of COC guidance.